CONSTIPATION (12)    NUPA ASSESSMENT PROBLEMS (1927.2)

• Assess bowel sounds, flatus, and frequency of bowel movements, abdominal girth, distension, pain and need for bowel care.
• Assess patient's history and perception of bowel pattern.
• Assess possible causative factors of constipation.
• Educate patient about effects of long-term laxative or enema use, need for high fiber in diet, importance of responding to defection urge, selection of a regular exercise program and adequate fluids.
• Monitor and record frequency and characteristics of stool.
• Other

Decrease in normal frequency of defecation accompanied by difficult or 
incomplete passage of stool or passage of excessively hard, dry stool.